As part of Republic Act Number 11469, also known as the Bayanihan Heal as One Act, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is tasked with conducting a Livelihood Seeding Program—Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay (LSP-NSB) to areas affected by COVID-19, especially the 4th to 6th class municipalities. This program will serve as the government’s assistance to the main catalyst of the economy, the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The LSP-NSB is a DTI program delivered through the Negosyo Centers that expands the reach of business development assistance by bringing programs, activities, and services closer to people.

In line with this, the DTI Laguna Provincial Office, through the Negosyo Center Magdalena, in cooperation with the Local Government Unit of Magdalena, Laguna, conducted the LSP-NSB Orientation vis-à-vis Launching Cum Entrepreneurship and Consumer Education Seminar at Covered Court, Barangay Población, Magdalena, Laguna, on September 16, 2022. A total of forty-two (42) beneficiaries from the seven (7) identified barangays in Magdalena, namely, Bucal, Ibabang Atingay, Malaking Ambling, Malinao, Maravilla, Tanawan, and Tipunan, participated in the said activity.

The program started with the opening prayer and acknowledgement of guests and participants by Negosyo Center Business Counselor, Rica Mae E. Garcia. Then, Municipal Mayor Hon. Pedro C. Bucal delivered his welcome message to the participants and guests. He emphasized the importance of the said activity to the participants, especially during the surge of the pandemic that many had lost their jobs and expressed his gratitude to DTI for the opportunity given to his fellowmen.

Then, SSF Support Staff Allen Lyndsay Gonzales discussed the different programs and services of DTI. This was followed by Trade and Industry Development Specialist Marites Pantua, who discussed Consumer Education, specifically on Consumer Rights and Responsibilities. Moreover, the Rise Up Multi-Purpose Loan was discussed by Mr. Benson Sarabia Jr., of SB Corp. Garcia discussed some important details about the program and How to Set-Up the Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay Desk. Lastly, Negosyo Center Business Counselor Rica Mae Ceria discussed the pros and cons as well as the nine (9) steps in starting a business.

Part of the activity on Entrepreneurship and Consumer Education and Advocacy Seminars was the workshop for the participants to accomplish their Simplified Action Plan related to preparation for their business plan, which is necessary for the release of their starter kits.

All the beneficiaries were very grateful to have been chosen as recipients of this livelihood program. They expressed their gratitude for this opportunity to improve the business climate in their area through DTI’s Livelihood Seeding Program. ♦

Date of Release: 10 October 2022